Peter Mutharika: The Comeback of Malawi's Veteran Politician

Sat Oct 18 2025 10:17:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In an astounding political comeback, Peter Mutharika is poised to return as Malawi's president just five years after being ousted. His journey back to power poses significant implications for the country as it faces economic hardship and political scrutiny.

Peter Mutharika, who previously served as Malawi's president from 2014 to 2020, has secured a surprising victory in the recent elections, dethroning incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera. With a tumultuous political history marked by both achievements and scandals, Mutharika's return raises questions about his health and capacity to lead amidst the nation's economic struggles.

Peter Mutharika, the former president of Malawi, is making an unexpected return to power just five years after he was dramatically unseated by a court ruling. His victory in last week's general election is a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape, as he has managed to overcome his long-time adversary, President Lazarus Chakwera.

During his campaign, Mutharika appealed to voters citing the severe economic downturn the country has faced under Chakwera's leadership, asserting that life was better during his presidency. Although he has his fair share of controversies, including corruption allegations, supporters claim that his first term bolstered Malawi’s infrastructure.

Mutharika, an 85-year-old political veteran, attended Yale University and has spent much of his career in academia, teaching across several continents before entering the political arena. His initial foray into politics was catalyzed by the presidency of his late brother Bingu Mutharika.

The political journey of Mutharika has not been without conflict. After a contentious handover in 2012 that saw Joyce Banda assume the presidency following Bingu's death, Mutharika faced treason charges that were eventually dropped after he won the presidency in 2014.

After a tumultuous and drama-filled defeat in the 2019 elections, where his victory was annulled due to electoral fraud, few expected him to run again. However, encouraged by his supporters, he stepped back into the political arena to ‘save’ the country from further economic despair.

During this campaign, Mutharika's rhetorical question to voters, Munandisowa eti? (You miss me, right?) became a notable refrain, although he maintained a lower public profile compared to his opponent. The economic situation, including soaring inflation and natural disasters, has led many Malawians to endure hardship.

Despite concerns about his health and stamina for the role, Mutharika's electoral win reflects a significant shift in Malawian politics, as he even claimed victory in traditionally pro-Chakwera areas.
Moving forward, Malawians will closely watch whether Mutharika can deliver on his promises and return the nation to a period of stability and growth.